Synergy & Leadership Exchange sponsors state-level Promising Practices awards to schools, districts and youth serving organizations in Minnesota for creating and implementing unique practices that promote character development in Pre-K–12 students. The practice should exemplify one or more of Character.org's Eleven Principles of Effective Character Education.

We look for a wide variety of practices that successfully promote character education among youth. We do not recognize entire school-wide character education programs, practices emphasizing extrinsic rewards or the singling out of students for recognition for good behavior, or copyrighted, trademarked, or patented programs. Applicants are encouraged to read samples of the past promising practice honorees listed below or review nationally recognized promising practices on Character.org’s website.

A blue ribbon panel recommends practices that qualify for the award and Synergy will celebrate the practices at the Character Recognition Awards in May.